The Best Private Schools in North Arlington, New Jersey
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Mary School
Archdiocese of Newark
Saint Mary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just minutes from North Arlington in neighboring Rutherford. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while incorporating modern STEM education, music, art, and physical education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a strong sense of community. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school serves families from multiple Bergen County communities including North Arlington and maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings for its academic rigor and nurturing environment.
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The Academy of Our Lady
Archdiocese of Newark
The Academy of Our Lady is a premier Catholic private school serving families throughout Bergen County, including North Arlington. The school provides a challenging academic program from Pre-K through 8th grade with a focus on developing well-rounded students. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive science laboratory experiences, Spanish language instruction, and robust arts and athletics programs. The school features state-of-the-art technology integration, dedicated science labs, modern library facilities, and extensive extracurricular offerings. With strong parent involvement and high academic achievement outcomes, The Academy of Our Lady consistently ranks among the top private elementary schools in the region, drawing students from multiple surrounding communities.
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Independent School
Montclair Kimberley Academy is a highly prestigious independent private school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. While located in Montclair, MKA attracts students from throughout northern New Jersey, including North Arlington families seeking exceptional educational opportunities. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing rigorous academic challenges for high-achieving students. MKA features outstanding facilities including state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology-rich learning environments. The school is known for its exceptional college placement record, diverse student body, and comprehensive extracurricular programs spanning athletics, arts, and community service. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, MKA provides a transformative educational experience for motivated students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Arlington, New Jersey
What are the primary private school options available within or directly serving North Arlington, NJ, and what are their educational models?
North Arlington, NJ, is primarily served by a few key private institutions. Saint Mary School is a local Catholic K-8 school offering a faith-based education within the borough. The Academy of Our Lady, located in nearby Glen Rock, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic high school that attracts students from North Arlington and the wider Bergen County area. While not in North Arlington, Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) in Montclair is a top-tier independent Pre-K-12 day school that some North Arlington families choose, representing a significant commute for a comprehensive, non-sectarian education. This means local, in-borough private options are limited to the elementary/middle level, with families often looking to neighboring towns for high school.
How does tuition for private schools in the North Arlington, NJ, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in the North Arlington area varies significantly by school type. Saint Mary School, as a parish school, typically has a lower tuition rate (often ranging from $6,000-$9,000 annually for parishioners) compared to the New Jersey private school average. In contrast, elite independent schools like Montclair Kimberley Academy have tuition that can exceed $40,000 per year, aligning with the high end of the state's spectrum. Most schools, including The Academy of Our Lady, offer need-based financial aid, and New Jersey's "FAFSA" equivalent for private K-12 aid is often the TADS or FACTS application. Additionally, New Jersey has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, so aid is primarily sourced directly from the schools' endowments and fundraising.
What are the enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools serving North Arlington, NJ, families?
Timelines differ between local parish schools and competitive independent/academies. For Saint Mary School in North Arlington, rolling admissions may be available, but it's best to apply in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. For sought-after schools like The Academy of Our Lady and Montclair Kimberley Academy, the process is highly structured. Applications are typically due in early winter (December/January), with entrance exams (HSPT or ISEE) required shortly after. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in March. Given the competitive nature for spots in schools outside the borough, North Arlington parents are advised to begin research and tours a full year in advance.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at North Arlington's private schools complement or differ from the public school system?
North Arlington Public Schools offer a solid education, but private options provide distinct alternatives. Saint Mary School integrates Catholic values and religion into its core curriculum, which the public system does not. Schools like The Academy of Our Lady offer a single-gender environment and a college-preparatory focus with specific honors and AP tracks that may be more extensive than the local public high school's offerings. Choosing a school like MKA involves accessing resources, facilities, and program breadth (e.g., global studies, extensive arts) comparable to elite suburban public districts but in a private setting. For North Arlington families, the choice often hinges on seeking a specific religious foundation, a particular pedagogical approach, or a more robust set of advanced academic tracks.
What are the transportation considerations for North Arlington, NJ, families using private schools, especially those outside the borough?
Transportation is a critical logistical factor. For Saint Mary School within North Arlington, transportation is typically the family's responsibility. For private schools outside the district, such as The Academy of Our Lady in Glen Rock or Montclair Kimberley Academy, North Arlington families may be eligible for transportation services under New Jersey's "Mileage Law" (N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1). This law requires your local public school district to provide transportation to students attending non-public schools up to 20 miles away, if they would provide it to a public school in that location. However, this often means a provided bus route or a mileage reimbursement, not a door-to-door service. Parents must apply for this transportation through the North Arlington Board of Education by specific deadlines (often in the spring prior to the school year).
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